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Siem Reap is known as the cultural capital of Cambodia. It serves as the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers a mix of traditional Khmer culture and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for travelers. Despite its rapid development, Siem Reap remains deeply connected to its cultural roots and is a must-see destination for anyone traveling around Southeast Asia.
In this guide, we will discuss the top things to do while at Siem Reap.
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Where is Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is located in northwestern Cambodia. It is located between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, with flights from each city lasting about 45 minutes to an 1.5 hours.
How Many Days in Siem Reap?
There are plenty of things to do in Siem Reap, as you will see in this guide. I recommend a minimum of two full days here. If you could stay longer, 4-5 days would be a better amount of time.
Top Things to Do in Siem Reap
Here are the top 6 things to do in Siem Reap!
1. Visit Angkor Wat
No trip to Siem Reap is complete without visiting this world-famous temple complex. Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in the 12th century, it was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, but it was later converted to a Buddhist temple. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and bas-reliefs, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology and the everyday life of the Khmer people. The temple’s central tower is the tallest pre-industrial structure in the world, and it’s surrounded by four smaller towers.
Planning Your Trip
Plan to spend at least a full day exploring the various temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.
It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to see the sunrise over the temple, which is a sight you won’t forget. Just be sure to dress modestly, as the temple is a sacred site. Consider hiring a tuk-tuk driver to give you a tour of the temples.
2. Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour
Taking a tuk-tuk tour is a fun and unique way to explore Siem Reap. Tuk-tuks are small, open-air vehicles that are a staple of transportation in Cambodia. They’re a cheap and convenient way to get around, and many companies offer guided tuk-tuk tours of the city.
On a tuk-tuk tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of Siem Reap’s lesser-known sights and attractions. This might include visits to local villages, countryside drives, and stops at hidden temples and landmarks. Your tuk-tuk driver will act as your guide and can provide interesting information and insights on the places you visit.
Tuk-tuk tours are a great way to see the city and get a taste of local life. They’re also a more eco-friendly option compared to touring by car. Just be sure to negotiate the price beforehand and agree on a clear itinerary to avoid any misunderstandings.
3. Try the Street Food
Street food is a popular and delicious way to experience the local cuisine in Siem Reap. There are street food vendors all over the city, offering a wide variety of dishes and snacks. You will find familiar foods, such as beef and chicken, as well as some foods unique to this region. You will also find certain foods that were eaten out of desperation by the Cambodian people during the Cambodian genocide, such as tarantulas and lizards.
If you are feeling adventurous, try something that you can’t find back home! Just avoid consuming raw foods and use common sense when selecting a vendor to eat from.
Street Food in Siem Reap
I enjoy trying different types of food when I travel. In Siem Reap, I tried frogs, tarantulas, lizards, and more from the street vendors! Click here to read more about the street food in Siem Reap, including the different types of food and how they taste.
4. Visit Pub Street
Pub Street is the undisputed center of nightlife in Siem Reap. Located in the heart of the city, this lively street is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink, listen to live music, and socialize with locals and other travelers.
The abundance of bars on this street offer something for everyone. After a long day of exploring Siem Reap, Pub Street is the place to be!
Pub Street in the Daytime
During the daytime, Pub Street is a great place to grab something to eat. It has several restaurants that serve a wide variety of international and local cuisine.
I recommend trying the traditional Khmer dishes, but you will also find pizza and hamburgers if you want that. There are also numerous souvenir stalls and shops to buy gifts.
Many travelers like to buy loose-fitting Cambodian clothing for their excursions to the temples, and Pub Street is a good place to find them.
5. Get a Massage
Siem Reap is a great place to get a massage, as the city is home to a number of excellent spas and massage centers. These massages are very affordable and are a popular way to relax and rejuvenate after walking around all day. Depending on what type of massage you get, you may only have to pay around $2 USD/hour!
Massage Options in Siem Reap
There are a variety of massage options to choose from. A popular choice is the traditional Khmer massage, which combines acupressure, reflexology, and gentle stretches. The therapist will use their hands, feet, and elbows to work out any knots and tension in your muscles during these massages, which are typically done on a mat on the floor.
Other popular massage options include Swedish, Thai, and hot stone massages, as well as foot massages, facials, and other beauty treatments.
If you want, you can also get a fish pedicure on Pub Street.
6. Visit a Museum
There are two museums that you should visit while in Siem Reap: the Landmine Museum and the Angkor National Museum.
The Landmine Musuem
The Landmine Museum, founded by a former child soldier, is a sobering but important reminder of the impact of landmines on Cambodian society. The museum displays a collection of landmines and other weapons, as well as information on the devastating effects of landmines on the country and its people.
A visit to the museum is a powerful way to learn about Cambodia’s recent history and the ongoing efforts to clear landmines and promote peace.
The Angkor National Musuem
The Angkor National Museum, on the other hand, is a more traditional museum that focuses on the history and cultural significance of the Angkor temple complex. The museum features exhibits on the Angkorian era and Khmer civilization, as well as detailed information on each of the temples.
It’s the perfect place to go to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the temples you’ll be visiting.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
There are plenty of hotels and hostels in Siem Reap suitable for travelers of all budgets.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
As a tour operator from India specializing in Cambodia trips, I must say this blog post provides a comprehensive and engaging guide to exploring Siem Reap, Cambodia’s cultural capital. The suggested activities, from visiting the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat to experiencing the vibrant local markets, perfectly capture the essence of this enchanting destination. Our clients from India will surely find this article helpful in planning their unforgettable Cambodian adventure! Kudos to the author for sharing such valuable insights. 🇮🇳✈️🇰🇭
Thank you for the kind words! I am glad that you found the article helpful.